TRIBUTES were today paid to a policewoman from Warwickshire who died in a car crash on her way home from work.

Deborah Harman died at the scene of the three-car pile-up between Balsall Common and Kenilworth on Friday morning.

The 25-year-old Coventry officer was a passenger in a Renault Clio which collided with a Mazda MX-5 and a Renault Megane on the A452 Birmingham Road at 7.25am.

Chief Superintendent Clive Burgess, of Chace Avenue police station, in Coventry, said officers were "deeply saddened" by the death of Ms Harman, who joined the force in August 2003.

He said: "Debbie was hard working, conscientious and popular amongst her peer group.

"Her commitment to serving the residents of Coventry had been formally recognised on more than one occasion with chief superintendent's commendations for bravery and reducing crime against Coventry's students.

"She will be sadly missed."

The Clio was being driven by Ms Harman's partner, Naomi Burton, aged 25, who is also a serving officer with West Midlands Police in Solihull.

The couple lived in Kenilworth.

Ms Burton suffered a broken left arm, and a fractured hip and pelvis in the accident and is being treated at Warwick Hospital.

Chief Supt Burgess said: "Our thoughts and condolences go to Debbie's family and to her partner Naomi Burton, who was seriously injured during the same incident."

The Mazda driver, a 45-year-old Leamington woman, suffered a broken back, liver damage and facial injuries and was taken to Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham.

The Megane driver, a 61-year-old man from Kenilworth, was treated for shock.

The accident closed the road for 15 hours.

Chief Supt Burgess said: "We are working closely with Warwickshire Police to support the families of both officers and internally with our welfare department to support Debbie and Naomi's colleagues.

"Warwickshire Police are carrying out a thorough investigation to establish the cause of this tragic accident."

Anyone who saw the accident is asked to call PC Julia Davis, at Warwickshire Police, on 01926 410414.